Gillingham (Dorset) Crime Rate April 2025 | Monthly Statistics

For residents of Gillingham (Dorset), the crime rate of 4.1 per 1,000 in April 2025 translates to a daily risk of encountering crime roughly once every 246 residents over the course of the month. This figure is 46.8% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000, a gap that reflects the area’s character as a smaller built-up area with limited exposure to the high-density environments typical of major cities. The most common crime category, violence and sexual offences, accounted for 32.6% of total incidents, though this rate (1.3 per 1,000) is 50% below the UK average. This may be partly explained by the absence of large nightlife venues in Gillingham, which often correlate with higher rates of violent crime in other parts of the country. Anti-social behaviour, the second most frequent category (15.2% of total crimes), followed closely with a rate of 0.6 per 1,000, also significantly below the UK average of 1.3 per 1,000. Seasonal factors likely played a role in shaping these trends: April, marked by Easter and spring weather, saw increased outdoor activity, which may have influenced both the rise in shoplifting (130% increase from March) and the drop in anti-social behaviour. The area’s property crime rate (20 cases) was balanced by a 30% share of violent crime (15 cases), a mix that contrasts with the UK profile, where property crime typically dominates. This balance may reflect Gillingham’s compact layout, where community interactions and local policing efforts could contribute to lower rates of property-related offences. The overall crime rate, while low, remains a reminder that even in areas with generally low crime, specific vulnerabilities—such as unsecured properties during peak shopping periods—can emerge in response to seasonal rhythms.

April 2025 saw stark contrasts in crime trends. Other theft surged by 400% (1 to 5 cases), a jump that may reflect heightened opportunities during Easter-related events or increased foot traffic in local shops. Conversely, anti-social behaviour dropped by 46.2% (from 13 to 7 incidents), possibly linked to seasonal changes in community activity. Violence and sexual offences, while still the most common category (32.6% of total crimes), fell by 40% compared to March, a decline consistent with the quieter pace of Easter holidays. Shoplifting rose by 200% (from 2 to 6 cases), suggesting a potential link to retail activity during the Easter period. These shifts highlight the importance of understanding how seasonal factors influence crime patterns in a built-up area like Gillingham. The area’s violent crime rate (1.3 per 1,000) is 50% below the UK average, a stark contrast to the 2.6 per 1,000 national figure. This disparity may be partly explained by the town’s smaller population and lower density of nightlife venues compared to larger urban centres.

In April 2025, Gillingham’s crime rate stood at 4.1 per 1,000 residents, an 8.1% decrease from the previous month’s 4.4 per 1,000. This decline suggests a slight improvement in local safety, though the area remains significantly below the UK average. On a daily basis, 2 crimes were reported in April, a figure that translates to a local context of roughly one crime for every 246 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate highlights that the likelihood of encountering crime is relatively low compared to national trends. When scaled to the population of 11,325, the 46 total crimes reported equate to a manageable level of risk for residents. The drop in violent crime, which fell by 40% from 25 to 15 incidents, may reflect seasonal patterns—Easter holidays often see reduced public activity in smaller towns. However, the sharp rise in other theft (from 1 to 5 cases) indicates potential vulnerabilities in unsecured properties or personal items during the Easter period. These shifts underscore the need for ongoing community vigilance, particularly around property security.